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WEST HAVEN, Conn. - University of New Haven head field hockey coach Kelsi Lykens has announced the signing of 16-year old Isabella Pucillo of Orange, Conn. as the newest member of the Charger field hockey program. Bella comes to New Haven through a partnership with Team IMPACT, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team.

"Having Bella on the team means having another new member of our program who is going to help enhance our culture," Lykens said. "We're really happy to provide smiles and laughs and have someone we can make memories with, and more importantly, a lifelong friendship. We're excited to be that person for her."

Bella was officially introduced at a draft day press conference on Thursday evening at the University, during which she signed her official letter of intent. Nearly 20 of Bella's family members, along with all of her new teammates and members of the New Haven athletic department were in attendance. Now an official member of the Chargers' field hockey team, Bella will be a fixture at games, practices, team dinners, and other events. She will be with the Chargers as they kick off their third season as a varsity program this September at Ralph DellaCamera Stadium.

Bella has already gotten to enjoy several activities with her new teammates and coaches, including going bowling, doing arts and crafts, as well as attend a recent Chargers' basketball game.

"We're excited to be able to do stuff together as a team and to give her experiences she might not get otherwise," Lykens said. "I'm excited for her to get to come to some games, but also still do those things outside of the sport and to be able to bond with our team."

"We're excited to develop new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime," sophomore goalkeeper Natalie Shaker (Newtown, Conn./Newtown) said at Thursday's press conference.

About Team IMPACT: Team IMPACT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit national organization, based in Boston, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team. Team IMPACT children are drafted on to college athletic teams, local to where they live and, in effect, become official members of the team from Draft Day through to Graduation. Established in 2011, Team IMPACT has already matched over 1000 children with collegiate teams at over 430 institutions in 45 states, improving the quality of life of hundreds of courageous children and touching the lives of over 30,000 student athletes. Visit www.GoTeamIMPACT.org to learn more.